Right now, the Medicare Open Enrollment Period is underway. This is the annual time, from October 15th through December 7th, when eligible seniors can sign-up for Medicare for the first time, and current participants who want to make changes to their existing coverage can do so. There are different types of Medicare. Medicare Part A…
More than 55 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare. Every year, after their 65th birthdays, men and women must enroll for Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug coverage between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7. But many forget to sign up, or they think they don’t have to because they have private insurance through the…
Congressional lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are looking at improving Medicare. Believe it or not, there is a bipartisan bill in executive session that would help some Medicare providers better care for people with chronic illnesses. The Creating High-Quality Results and Outcomes Necessary to Improve Chronic (CHRONIC) Care Act of 2017 wouldn’t…
President Donald Trump’s first federal budget proposal includes cuts to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including 18 percent, or $15.1 billion next year. The Los Angeles Times reports that the biggest cuts within the agency are to the National Institutes of Health, which would see its budget go down $5.8 billion to…
A recent study by the National Health Law Project found that efforts by federal lawmakers to reduce Medicaid funding will put the lives of 74 million people at risk. On the state level, the expansion of Medicaid programs, however, has made more resources available to help people, the study found, including the elderly, have access…
People are living longer and healthier than they ever have before. That is wonderful news for all of us as we put a focus on our health, vitality and the belief we are as young as we feel. But at some point, everyone must consider a long-term care plan in the event they become physically…
Open enrollment for Medicare happens once a year, typically beginning the first of November and ending the first week in December. Many people are opting for a Medicare Advantage plan rather than original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are privately operated plans and work like traditional health insurance. Here are some guidelines for choosing a Medicare…
Probably one of the most difficult tasks that adult children with elderly parents face is when and how to step in to help a failing parent with their finances. Children who notice signs of financial inattention – bills unpaid, papers piling up, utilities cut off – can use these tips to offer assistance: Offer to…
Baby boomers have always been categorized as an adventuresome generation, but when it comes to long-term care, most agree they want to stay at home. A recent AARP study showed that 90% of us want to grow old at home; here are some of the considerations for determining when in-home care is a viable option:…